Safe Housekeeping and Sanitation Practices

1 Commercial Fact Sheet Fishing safe Housekeeping and Sanitation Practices Workers in commercial fishing face hazardous working conditions on a daily basis that can lead to injuries and fatalities. The most common hazards are associated with unsafe work Practices and working around moving deck machinery, rigging, or equipment, while other hazards are caused by harsh weather conditions. Over half of the recordable injuries in commercial fishing are preventable through good Housekeeping and sanitary Practices . To protect workers on commercial fishing vessels, employers must Authority over working conditions on uninspected commercial identify the hazards and take steps to address them. For example, fishing vessels is shared by osha and the Coast Guard, improperly storing tools and fishing gear, or allowing water or fish parts with the Coast Guard being the lead agency. This fact sheet to accumulate from processing activities increase the risk for slips, summarizes work Practices and safety measures for effective trips, and falls.

2 The poor storage and ineffective labeling of chemicals, Housekeeping and Sanitation in commercial fishing operations. cleaning solvents as well as poor maintenance of machinery and For information on osha 's jurisdiction of commercial fishing, see equipment can result in worker exposure to harmful substances. Also, CPL 02-01-047, osha Authority Over Vessels and Facilities on workers can be injured or killed when they are struck by equipment, or Adjacent to Navigable Waters and the Outer Continental materials, and cargo that are stacked at unsafe heights. Shelf (OCS). Good Housekeeping and Sanitary Practices to Prevent Worker Injuries Start by cleaning up: Begin with a thorough housecleaning. Remove all trash, accumulations of scrap, and unused materials. Make Housekeeping an ongoing priority: ensure workers understand that Housekeeping is a priority and that each person is accountable for making sure that their work area remains clean and well-kept. Properly dispose of trash: Provide appropriate containers for trash and waste.

3 Recyclables, trash, and hazardous waste ( , liquids, chemicals, and soaked rags must be stored in approved containers. Trash and waste containers must be emptied frequently to prevent overflow. Keep regular and routine schedules: Sanitation facilities must Source: osha . be serviced, cleaned, and stocked as needed. BLS, 2011-2015. Department of Labor t t (800) 321- osha (6742). Provide changing rooms where the work activity requires using Generally, the applicable osha standards depend on the protective clothing with privacy, and separate storage for street work activity taking place. For example, 29 CFR Part 1910, and protective clothing. osha 's General Industry standard, applies to vessels engaged in fishing or fish processing activities. When the Movement of Cargo, Ship's Stores or Gear vessel or its machinery undergoes servicing, the provisions During offloading, ensure that dunnage, hatch beams, in 29 CFR Part 1915, osha 's Shipyard Employment standard, must be followed.)

4 Also, in some cases, 29 CFR Parts 1917. tarpaulins and gear are stored at least three feet from weather and 1918 apply when materials handling operations, such deck hatch coamings. as loading, unloading, movement, or other handling of cargo, ship's stores or gear take place. Entrance and Exit Routes Maintain sufficient lighting for exit routes, gangways, stairs, and walkways. Walking and working Surfaces Provide workers with a flashlight or other portable light where Keep surfaces clean and free of debris, protruding objects, permanent lighting is not available. holes or loose boards, and tools. Keep workers from entering dark holds, compartments, decks, Make sure equipment, materials, and cargo are stowed at safe or other spaces without a flashlight or other portable light. heights to allow for easy reach and prevent objects from falling Make sure exits and fire equipment are appropriately marked on workers or causing tip or fall hazards. and easily accessible. Use grates or other temporary flooring where standing water is unavoidable.

5 Eliminate slippery conditions, such as snow and ice, on all outdoor walking and working areas, or designate safe areas for workers. Where this is not possible, employers must provide workers with slip-resistant footwear. Properly stow or position hoses and electrical cords to prevent trip hazards and damage to the hoses and cords. Keep heavy traffic work areas and access to vessels, cranes, vehicles, and buildings unobstructed. Photos by: Amy Duz iWorkWise Restrooms and Sanitation Routinely inspect areas for signs of rodents, insects, or other vermin, and implement a control program when necessary. Have an adequate number of toilet facilities available close to work locations with a means for handwashing at or adjacent to each. Evaluation of Atmospheric Conditions Develop a schedule for regular servicing, cleaning, and stocking Perform the appropriate atmospheric testing of confined of restrooms and handwashing facilities. It is important to and enclosed spaces, such as fish holds, tanks, or cargo evaluate the effectiveness of set frequencies and make compartments, to ensure safe entry.

6 Adjustments as needed. Frequently check on workers working alone in tanks or cargo ensure that trash bins in eating, drinking, and break areas are compartments to ensure their safety. emptied daily. Dispose of flammable and combustible substances, such as ensure an adequate supply of potable water is available for paint thinners, solvents, rags, scrap, and waste, or store them drinking, worker health and personal needs, cooking, and food in covered fire-resistant containers. preparation. All potable and non-potable water supplies must be labeled for their designated uses. Department of Labor t t (800) 321- osha (6742). Workers' Rights Workers have the right to: their employer or osha . If a worker has been retaliated against for using their rights, they must file a complaint with osha as working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm. soon as possible, but no later than 30 days. Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary the worker understands) about workplace For additional information, see osha 's Workers page.

7 Hazards, methods to prevent them, and the osha standards that apply to their workplace. How to Contact osha . Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers File a complaint asking osha to inspect their workplace if are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer their employees. osha 's role is to ensure these conditions for is not following osha 's rules. osha will keep all identities America's working men and women by setting and enforcing confidential. standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, including more information, visit or call osha at 1-800-321- reporting an injury or raising health and safety concerns with osha (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting osha programs, policies or standards.

8 It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of osha standards or regulations, refer DSG FS-3871 11/2017. to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627. Department of Labor t t (800) 321- osha (6742).